Morocco's modernization and global role highlighted by ASEAN Secretary General

Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), praised King Mohammed VI for transforming Morocco into a modern and advanced nation that attracts substantial foreign investment. During his visit to Morocco  the first by an ASEAN Secretary General  he emphasized the King’s significant contributions to the prosperity of the Moroccan people and the advancement of the nation.

According to Kim Hourn, his visit allowed him to witness firsthand the remarkable progress Morocco has achieved, noting the country's modern infrastructure and its appeal to international investors. He commended the strong leadership of King Mohammed VI, highlighting the stable and secure environment the country enjoys and the economic reforms introduced to enhance development and improve living standards.

He also emphasized the King's efforts in promoting development across the African continent, stating that Morocco’s stability and prosperity position it to make a positive contribution to both Africa and the wider region.

Expressing ASEAN's intention to deepen cooperation with Morocco, he underscored the Kingdom’s strategic geographic position as a key advantage. ASEAN and Morocco have identified several practical areas for collaboration such as trade, investment, tourism, and air connectivity through the ASEAN-Morocco Practical Cooperation Areas 2024–2028 framework, established after Morocco became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 2023.

Kim Hourn recalled Morocco’s accession to ASEAN’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2016, a milestone in promoting bilateral relations. He pointed out that Morocco is a major exporter and serves as a gateway to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

ASEAN, he added, hopes to benefit from Morocco’s expertise in disaster management, an area of growing concern in Southeast Asia due to its vulnerability to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and extreme weather events. He stressed the need for joint efforts and a mutually beneficial partnership based on trade, investment, and mutual support.

Morocco’s strategic role as a partner for Europe, the Middle East, and the United States also positions it to leverage ASEAN’s Indo-Pacific markets. Finally, Kim Hourn reflected on ASEAN’s rapid economic development and growing importance, with a population nearing 700 million and trade volume reaching approximately $3.8 trillion, reinforcing its status as a global investment hub committed to peace, stability, and prosperity.